So I have a Dell Desktop Dimension 4600c that I got in 2004ish. Last night in the middle of the night, I heard a loud crackle and pop, similar to the sound of rice crispies...only much louder. I go out to the living room and the whole room smells like a toaster. Apparantly something in the computer fried (even though it was plugged into a surge protector).

Any ideas what the fuck happened?

3/22/2007 7:58:50 AM

Your computer is fried.

3/22/2007 7:59:54 AM

bug in the computer

like, a real bug

a roach or what have you

3/22/2007 8:10:39 AM

sounds like something burned. did it storm last night where you are?

3/22/2007 8:12:27 AM

Open the case up and look for something that looks charred and melted. That'll tell you what happened.

A line surge is just one of many reasons a computer fries itself. A weak component on your mainboard, videocard, etc, or even a bad power supply can cause it.

3/22/2007 8:14:31 AM

i opened it up, nothing looks burned. i was thinking the power supply might be screwed. No bugs in there either.

3/22/2007 8:16:32 AM

sound like a PSU.

the bugs are usually too small to see without some sort of magnification. I would suggest determining which type of bug it is so you can take the proper steps towards eliminating them. Even if it involves usuing a magnifying glass.

3/22/2007 8:51:25 AM

Damn, that sucks. I assume it's fuxx0red?

3/22/2007 9:02:36 AM

Your power supply is most likely blown. You could get a cheap one for about $30.


There may be more damage to your motherboard and/or peripherals, especially if you heard the noise from the other room. You wont know until you replace the powersupply. Try getting a geek to put a used one in the case to see if it's the only problem.

3/22/2007 9:10:23 AM

replaced the power supply....now it works. phew.

3/22/2007 1:04:54 PM

yeah, it's the power supply. i'm sure of it.

3/25/2007 12:46:45 PM

HAVE YOU TRIED REPLACING THE POWER SUPPLY UNIT

3/25/2007 1:08:29 PM